People who want to order the new iPhone from Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) online store can do so now, as long as they are willing to get the phone with a black finish. No other colors are available and Apple has not said why.
The Apple website allows customers to order the iPhone 4 for as little as $199. The smartphones, which can be delivered by mail or picked up in stores, will be available on June 24. But, “White iPhones are currently not available for pre-order.”
Once again, Apple may be hostage to its own success.The iPad launch less than two months ago was marred by shortages of the tablet in the company’s retail stores. The international release of the iPad had to be delayed because not enough units were available. Apple sold more than two million iPads within about a month of its debut. There is no way to tell whether some customers elected to pass up buying an iPad because it was not available when they wanted it.
Apple almost certainly has an excellent idea of what iPhone 4 demand will be. Interested buyers have streamed into AT&T (NYSE: T) retail outlets eager to find out when they can get one of the smartphones.
Apple’s product creation and management has been flawless from the launch of the iPod in 2001 to the recent release of the iPad and upcoming availability of the new iPhone 4. But, the company’s production management leaves a great deal to be desired.
Douglas A. McIntyre
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